Police chiefs warn about sexting

The Lenawee County Police Chiefs Association warns parents to be on the lookout for instances of minors “sexting.”

Law enforcement agencies report seeing an increase in the number of incidents where minors take nude photos of themselves and transmit them with their cellphones, according to a news release.

The association reminds people that such activity might not only be illegal, but once transmitted, the images are no longer under the creator’s control. The images can be saved and shared many times over. Investigators will seize cellphones and other electronic devices that may contain child pornography.

The chiefs are asking parents to discuss this issue with their children and make them aware of the risks involved. Sending such photos is considered a felony and potentially punishable with a prison sentence and a fine.